Soul of the Fire (Sword of Truth, #5)

Jan 07, 2013 Ronel rated it 1 of 5 stars

Terrible book, I just could not finish it.

(Spoilers ahead: But if you still want to read the book, you are on your own)

I loved the Sword of Truth series in the beginning. It was different and exciting. But then the series started to get weird. First it was the weird sex that Richard was having with the red clad dominatrix, then the Sisters of the Dark had that strange session with the statue/demon in the forest etc etc.

And after a while, I started to feel about the series the same way as about...more

5 likes · like · see review

Sep 14, 2008 Espen rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of Sword of Truth, those who've read his first 4 books and want to go on.

Shelves: 1st-edition, signed

This book is a lot slower going than the previous four, perhaps because Terry Goodkind is putting a lot of focus on characters we have never heard of up until now. At halfway through the book he picks up the pace though, and the last half of the book is actually very enjoyable.

Still, not even close to being one of Goodkind's best books, and it took a strong recommendation from someone that had read the entirety of it to bring this book back out of the bookshelf.

The big weakness of the book is, I...more

9 likes · like · see review

Jul 22, 2011 celestialchild rated it 1 of 5 stars

Some people complain about the slow pace of the book; to me, the real problem is that especially by the end of it, much of the content felt completely unnecessary.

The big obstacle of this book was, first and foremost, the Chimes. In spite of this, they actually seem to occupy very little of the plot, except when people are just worrying about them. This wasn't a completely illogical approach, because it was necessary for the heroes to spend most of the story simply researching how these Chimes c...more Some people complain about the slow pace of the book; to me, the real problem is that especially by the end of it, much of the content felt completely unnecessary.

The big obstacle of this book was, first and foremost, the Chimes. In spite of this, they actually seem to occupy very little of the plot, except when people are just worrying about them. This wasn't a completely illogical approach, because it was necessary for the heroes to spend most of the story simply researching how these Chimes could even be stopped, as the knowledge was never known. In light of this, Goodkind has to introduce a different plotline--the Imperial Order--in order to flesh out the story so that characters don't spend the pages reading books.

The way he tackled the Imperial Order, however, was to introduce a bunch of new characters and give us a vision of a particular country's (Anderith) politics and habits in the face of cultural customs and bids from both the Imperial Order and the D'haran Empire. The results were lackluster. The new characters interact little to none with the original cast, and among them, few, if any, were sympathetic. Considering what happens to most of them, a part of me wondered why I bothered reading at all. They felt more like plot-fodder than plot-drivers, and this, I believe, was the primary reason for the boredom associate with this book. If they had been removed or given less prevalence in the narration, I feel as though this would have changed little, and any plotholes could have easily been patched up by other (more interesting) means.

(view spoiler)[ It was evident early on that the series is an expose for Goodkind to espouse his political and moral ideology. From the beginning, most of it has always seemed rather forced and contrived (that is, it was very obvious what he was trying to do), but this book was particularly bad, if only because the fallacies of his logic were self-evident. Richard travels through Anderith explaining the promises of the D'haran Empire in an attempt to win the citizen's vote. He is shocked and appalled, and loses faith, when he discovers that his promises hold no sway. At the end of the story, Richard feels the people have abandoned him, that they have betrayed him because they believed the lies of the Ander leadership (campaigning simultaneously) instead.

Honestly, what did he expect? He was so hateful towards the people in the end for not believing in him that he decided to let the city suffer its fate at the hand of the Imperial Order. But what did he do the whole time but offer them words? These are people who have spent generations under political and psychological oppression. All they have ever known is the leadership of the Anders, who spin their definitions of kindness and cruelty and teach these things to children at a very young age. The Ander have lived a life of privilege, and the Haken, who sway the vote, have never known anything beyond their own lands. They do not know Richard, they have not seen for themselves the work of D'hara under his rule. And yet he expects them to intuitively know his word is true, to overcome all of the psychological oppression they have known all their lives?

Perhaps Goodkind takes note of this unrealistic and unfair expectation in later books, but to me Richard has made a grave error. If Richard had decided that he could not realistically come to the aide of the Anderith people, that is one thing, but it was clearly evident to me that he ordered what he did--do not help a single person--out of spite. He is not regrettably being forced to let them suffer to pursue a better strategy, but punishing them for their child-like ignorance and misinformation. I find this reprehensible. (hide spoiler)]

Finally, since the first book Goodkind has displayed his habit of wrapping up the story quickly and often providing little detail as to how everything works. This wrap-up was particularly fast-paced and senseless.(less)

5 likes · like · see review

Aug 07, 2009 Eddie Novak rated it 5 of 5 stars

(view spoiler)...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 24, 2010 Nath rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-read

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Quite frankly.. I was disappointed..

The previous novels had always started out slow, but once you got past the first 100 pages, the story started rolling and you were drawn with it.

This time, that lacked. The first 100 pages actually consisted of Richard with the help of Kahlan, Zedd, Ann and the mud people chasing a demonic chicken, reaping havoc on its way.

Between that and the supposed need for Richard to get back to Aydindril.. you get to know a region unknown before.. Anderith.
It's intro...more

like · see review

Aug 05, 2011 T. M. added it

The beginning is slow, even with Kahlan and Richard's wedding with the Mud People. Then bad news--the chimes are loose, thanks to Kahlan.

The chimes kill through fire, water, and air. People all over are dying and magic is failing all while the Order marches on.

My main compilant is that there's too many secondary characters, like the Hakans that you should feel sorry for, but don't. They don't really link into this story; perhaps they are important in future books. Dalton's story line bogs down a...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 05, 2011 Brian rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Book 5:

slow start. Annoying how they have to recap everything. I don't like how every book is a single book. It seems like he stretches to get a story to tell in one book - there's no real sense of continuity or an epic struggle like most other multi-novel books. The Fitch story line is dumb so far - not interesting. Trying to do political intrigue like martin and failing miserably. Little interludes with noname characters are dumb. Characters making stupid irrational and uncharacter like decisi...more Book 5:

slow start. Annoying how they have to recap everything. I don't like how every book is a single book. It seems like he stretches to get a story to tell in one book - there's no real sense of continuity or an epic struggle like most other multi-novel books. The Fitch story line is dumb so far - not interesting. Trying to do political intrigue like martin and failing miserably. Little interludes with noname characters are dumb. Characters making stupid irrational and uncharacter like decisions just to further the plot in his direction (going to anderith)- poor writing. Annoyingly stupid. Completely implausible (fitch getting sword of truth). Very obvious good v evil. Stupid plotting to work up to a big bang conclusion that wasn't all that good like last one. Started getting ok with like 20 pages left and was wrapped up way to quickly and not very thouroughly.

Series: 5/10

The Sword of Truth series usually gets mentioned in the same breath as George R. R. Martin and Robert Jordan. Since I like those two authors, I decided to try this series, hoping it would be as good. Boy was I let down! I really did not like these books and am amazed at all the good reviews they get. The books were fairly readable and went by quickly. However, I thought the plotting was poor, the characters were stupid, and the story was VERY heavy-handed, over melodramatic and simplistic. The relationship between the two protagonists was way over the top and completely cheesy at times. The plot seemed really forced and not very detailed and is often very cliched. Character development is much the same. The characters are obviously good guys or bad guys. The good guys seem invincible and all-knowing except for the times they act like complete idiots and do things for stupid reasons for clunky plot purposes. Each book is meant to be a separate adventure. In order to do this, the author really stretches to find new hurdles to overcome. Plus, there's lots of annoying repetition. Overall, I thought the series annoyingly stupid, and am very glad to be done plowing through it!(less)

1 like · like · see review

Feb 07, 2013 Al added it · review of another edition

Amazon.com Review

Soul of the Fire is the fifth book in Terry Goodkind's wildly popular Sword of Truth saga.

When last we saw our heroes--Richard Cypher (Lord Rahl) and Kahlan Amnell--they each had made enormous sacrifices to save one another from certain doom. To save her beloved, Khalan, Mother Confessor of the Midlands, had spoken the three chimes, summoning these chaotic beings from the world beyond and unwittingly releasing incredibly destructive power. Now the chimes are stealing souls, a

...more

Amazon.com Review

Soul of the Fire is the fifth book in Terry Goodkind's wildly popular Sword of Truth saga.

When last we saw our heroes--Richard Cypher (Lord Rahl) and Kahlan Amnell--they each had made enormous sacrifices to save one another from certain doom. To save her beloved, Khalan, Mother Confessor of the Midlands, had spoken the three chimes, summoning these chaotic beings from the world beyond and unwittingly releasing incredibly destructive power. Now the chimes are stealing souls, and malevolent forces are reshaping the world itself. To save everything from almost certain doom, Richard, Kahlan, and the wizard Zedd must hunt the elusive chimes and reharness them before it's too late.

Although comparisons to Soul of the Fire, fans of epic sagas will get their fill of adventure, magic, strange beings, and struggles for power as Goodkind delivers another thrilling episode of the Sword of Truth, with all the complexity and taut characterization we've come to expect from this master of fantasy. --Adam Fisher

From Publishers Weekly

Seeker of Truth Richard Rahl and his wife, Mother Confessor Kahlan Amnell, survive another incredible series of obstacles in Goodkind's sequel to his acclaimed Temple of the Winds. Here, readers learn that when Kahlan used a spell to save Richard from death in the last book, she inadvertently released the Chimes, deadly ancient beings who threaten to destroy the world by absorbing all its magic. Richard's grandfather Zedd goes off to combat the Chimes while Richard and Kahlan, accompanied by Du Chaillu, a pregnant spirit woman who is bound to Richard by an ancient prophesy, travel to Anderith to find the journal of a wizard who defeated the Chimes in ages past. But in Anderith, the rivalry between the Ander and Haken peoples (somewhat heavily handled, with overtones of the author's pro-colonial opinions) threatens to divide the land just when it needs unity in order to defend itself against an invasion by Emperor Jagang's thuggish hordes. After many suspenseful moments, everything comes somewhat raggedly together in a happy ending. Notable for its engaging secondary characters, the novel also evinces flashes of sly wit, as when an evil Chime takes the form of a menacing chicken. Though the narrative sprawls all over the map and the tone can edge too far towards the didactic, Goodkind's ingenious world-building will keep readers captivated by the latest installment of his bestselling Sword of Truth series.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

(less)

like · see review

Oct 17, 2012 Lisa (Harmonybites) rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of Sword of Truth

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, novels

There are people who loved Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series from beginning to end. But a lot of people who loved it through the first four books feel this is where the series jumped the shark. Goodkind is a devotee of Ayn Rand; he's open about that on his website. But although you could see libertarian themes in the earlier books, this is the one where it's more than subtext easily ignored. If that is what bothers you about this book, to the point you didn't find it enjoyable, you might wa...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 17, 2012 Kathy Davie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Fifth in the Sword of Truth fantasy series revolving around Richard Rahl, the Seeker of Truth.

My Take
This story is split mostly between Richard and Kahlan's search for answers and Goodkind filling us in on the culture of the Anders and Haken. If any of the Midlands countries deserves to be ground under the Imperial foot, it's this one. At least all the Anders and their Minister of Culture! What a load of lies in this country! The time Richard and Kahlan spend trying to get through to the people...more

like · see review

Aug 14, 2012 Wyn rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: No one. Maybe Terry Goodkind, so he can learn from his mistakes.

Shelves: ugh

I will be the first to admit that it's been a good, oh, eight years or more since I started this book (because I never finished it)... But, after forcing myself to plow through four of the previous books (well, I didn't hate all four of them), I was in no fit state to attempt to stomach the same ol', tired, clichéd bullshit without which Mr. Goodkind, apparently, finds it impossible to compose a story. The rest of this review is hidden behind spoiler tags. For a reason.

(view spoiler)...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 29, 2012 Lucinda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fantastic fantasy fiction, that is truly mesmirisingly magical...

The sword of truth series by Terry Goodkind has to be one of the greatest fantasy fictional works ever written, that has delighted readers for years by standing out whilst new authors appear. Beginning with the magnificent ‘Wizards first rule’ this epic saga continues to take your breath away with each volume, being such an inspired storyline that gets better and better. Soul of fire is the latest book that I have read of Terry Goo...more Fantastic fantasy fiction, that is truly mesmirisingly magical...

The sword of truth series by Terry Goodkind has to be one of the greatest fantasy fictional works ever written, that has delighted readers for years by standing out whilst new authors appear. Beginning with the magnificent ‘Wizards first rule’ this epic saga continues to take your breath away with each volume, being such an inspired storyline that gets better and better. Soul of fire is the latest book that I have read of Terry Goodkind’s which has proved to be just as fantastic as all of his other works, showing just how great this genre can be at its very best. Keeper of the sword of truth the reader follows the character of Richard on his journey, where he is faced with evil and plagued by an insane Emperor called Jagang. He has to travel to the Temple of the Winds to destroy the evil that threatens to overwhelm him, and spare the life of his beloved Kahlan. Full of dramatic battles and fast-paced action this magical tale will take you on the most exciting adventure, which you won’t want to leave.

Terry Goodkind is an accomplished writer whose creativity and imagination is outstanding, that ranks alongside other literary giants such as JRR Tolkien, Kate Elliot, Raymond E Feist and Stephen Donaldson. This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat in suspense, with anticipation that moved me to tears and made me feel a real part of the author’s world. A world full of fire breathing Dragons, powerful sorcerers, frightening beings that are evil and merciless, here is a book that will delight readers both young and old sparking ones imagination. An absolutely beautiful, striking cover to this volume this book stands out as being something totally magical and spellbinding, uniquely rich and original by an exceptional writer that I cannot enthuse about enough. True epic fantasy that is mesmerizing and utterly captivating, engrossing from beginning to end this series the sword of truth will touch your heart.
(less)

like · see review

May 24, 2012 Andrea Santucci rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantatrash, recensiti-sul-blog, bottom_letture_2012, letture_2012, recensiti-su-scritty

Recensione completa qui: http://ilsociopatico.wordpress.com/20...…

Goodkind non si smentisce mai. In quest'ennesima avventura fantatrash, Richard e Kahlan devono fermare la minaccia dei Rintocchi prima che questi eliminino tutta la magia dal mondo. Voi direte: figo; peccato che quella che dovrebbe essere la trama principale (e che comunque è solo un allungare la vicenda, visto che sono tre libri che Jagang incombe con il suo Ordine Imperiale sulle Terre Centrali e ancora non è successo niente di...more Recensione completa qui: http://ilsociopatico.wordpress.com/20...…

Goodkind non si smentisce mai. In quest'ennesima avventura fantatrash, Richard e Kahlan devono fermare la minaccia dei Rintocchi prima che questi eliminino tutta la magia dal mondo. Voi direte: figo; peccato che quella che dovrebbe essere la trama principale (e che comunque è solo un allungare la vicenda, visto che sono tre libri che Jagang incombe con il suo Ordine Imperiale sulle Terre Centrali e ancora non è successo niente di interessante su quel fronte) sia ridotta in realtà a mera sottotrama.

E allora qual è la storia predominante di questo libro? Gli intrighi politici di Anderith, regno governato de facto dal ministro della cultura Bertrand Chanboor. Perché tutta quest'enfasi? Perché Chanboor è una parodia di Bill Clinton, leader politico che a Goodkind evidentemente non va molto a genio, mentre la moglie di Chanboor, Hildemara, è chiaramente Hillary Clinton. Tra l'altro è pure una parodia fatta col culo, perché si riduce a "Finto Bill Clinton è uno stupratore (e sai che novità, che un personaggio in un libro di Goodkind sia uno stupratore...) e Hillary è un cesso pauroso". Satira politica che neanche a Colorado Café.

Ma non funziona. Paradossalmente, infatti, poiché Goodkind è un inetto, la versione satirica di Bill Clinton riesce a essere un politico più illuminato di quell'idiota di Richard, e quindi il tutto si ritorce contro a Goodkind e all'idea di utilizzare dei romanzi mascherati da fantasy per fare predicozzi politico-filosofici. Un ennesimo epic fail.

Tutto sommato, romanzo perfettamente evitabile, con poche situazioni degne di nota (l'unica gemma fantatrash è l'Evil Chicken of Doom dei primi capitoli) e soprattutto molto ma molto lento.

Il prossimo volume, il sesto, è da molti considerato "l'inizio della fine", perché è quello in cui Goodkind getta la maschera e si rivela per quello che è: un telepredicatore dell'oggettivismo randiano. Sarà una gioia stroncarlo, perché, pur non avendo (quasi) nulla contro la filosofia della Rand, non sopporto gli autori che ti martellano il cervello con messaggi morali a discapito della trama. Ma questa è un'altra storia per un altro giorno.
(less)

like · see review

Sep 21, 2011 Liz rated it 2 of 5 stars

I just have one question. Who wrote this book? I firmly believe some strange essence possessed Terry Goodkind before he wrote this book. This series went from enthralling to infuriating. The first three hundred pages of Soul of Fire are spent discussing low cut dresses, cleavage, sex scandals, food, and ridiculous politics of a country in the Midlands that has yet to be discussed in previous books. While I understand the need to portray the selfishness of this society, I do not think it needed t...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 28, 2011 Steve Cran added it

Since Kahalan rescued Richard from the Temple of the Wind the Chimes have been sent lose up the world. The Chimes are eating up all the positive magic and killing anyone who gets to close to a body of water or fire. Richard and Kahlan have to end their wedding celebrations early as Zed send Richard back to the Wizards Keep to get his sword and break a magic bottle. Anne the former prelate goes into Jagangs camp to rescue the Sisters of Light or to kill therm. Zed goes to Anderith to fight agains...more

like · see review

Jan 09, 2010 Jenna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi-fantasy, read-prior-to-2008-sometime, read-in-2010

I am on a mission to catch up on this series, since I cannot remember why I stopped reading it in the first place. Also, with the new tv show, I find myself trying to remember what I've read. I vaguely remember the chimes. The big question are in the world or not? Is the magic really failing or not? And what's Zedd up to? These are the questions that Kahlan, Richard, Cara and another figure from Richard's past must answer if they are to save the land of Anderith from the invading army of Jagang....more

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 13, 2011 Michael O'sullivan rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What was begun at the end of the Temple of Winds is continued here. Goodkind begins to abandon his previously engaging character and plot writing and begins to preach to the reader. Not only that, but without the heavy presence of enjoyable characters like Berdine, Gratch or Zedd, the brutality Goodkind tends to have in all his books is now rammed down your throat (so to speak) and comes across less as an example of the kind of actions people can justify if they truly believe they are just but m...more

like · see review

Sep 23, 2009 Rodney Wilder rated it 4 of 5 stars

This, while still an amazing book, definitely has been the first to disappoint me at points when held against its predecessors. The writing is as captivating as ever (though I am growing tired of the rehashing/brief introductions - I know what's going on, I'm not taking long lapses between books...it's just becoming a tiring device), but the direction the bulk of the book went rubbed me the wrong way. My main issue: ANDERITH AND ALL THOSE DWELLING IN IT!

Now, I realize the importance of the place...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 30, 2009 Amber rated it 5 of 5 stars

Terry Goodkind is a superb author, and in my opinion, his "Sword of Truth" series is the best I have ever read. So good, in fact, that I have read the entire series three times in a row, back to back, non-stop. This series is *not* for children. The series covers many aspects of the dark side of humanity, in great detail, as the heroes try to overcome the evils in the world. Goodkind is not afraid to show his readers just what evil *really* is, that is, most often, people who perform acts of evi...more

4 likes · like · see review

Oct 01, 2012 Gabriel C. rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, 2012

Jeepers Creepers. Much the same. A focus on sexual violence and sexual possessiveness as the main motivators for virtually every character. Untold pages of characterization of the bad guys as bad so that we don't mind when they are subjected to violence later. A characterization of a "primitive" person's speech as "jibber-jabber." A whole bunch of messianic stuff admixed in with the pagan. A strong pro-life and antidemocratic bent. Ridiculous situations. The wise lying to each other apparently o...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 26, 2012 Adam Wilson rated it 3 of 5 stars

Oh, my, god... where to begin with this one? I will say that I was warned about this book and this entire series but I didn't listen. I enjoyed the first two books, and

the fourth book, and liked the third one a little, but this one just lost its damn mind. "Where did it lose its mind?" Right about the time when Richard starts looking

for the chicken that is not a chicken. I would definitely say that it is a chicken, but it is an EVIL chicken. Scawwy. Also, it is a zombie chicken. Gaspeddy gasp...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 28, 2011 Jeff rated it 2 of 5 stars

I've been stuck in the middle for a while--alot of repetitive exposition about subtractive and additive magic--Less action than the previous book but some surprising reintroductions of past characters I had forgotten about. A rich world though he certainly has in these characters--I just am finding it distracting to be rereading explanations of things we already take for granted!

So!! Finally finished it as I skipped through the 450 pages talking about politics and random characters and a land we...more

like · see review

Nov 28, 2010 Tanabrus rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

La storia sarebbe stata anch abbastanza interessante: il salvataggio di Richard alla fine del libro precedente aveva evocato nel mondo i tre Rintocchi, altre armi magiche senzienti risalenti alla vecchia guerra (come i Mriswith e la Silph, la Spada della verità e il Legame dei Rahl). Solo che queste creature invincibili godono nell’uccidere, risucchiano la magia dal mondo e hanno lo scopo di prendersi l’anima promessa loro con l’evocazione. L’anima di Richard.
Zedd decide di provare a fermarli da...more La storia sarebbe stata anch abbastanza interessante: il salvataggio di Richard alla fine del libro precedente aveva evocato nel mondo i tre Rintocchi, altre armi magiche senzienti risalenti alla vecchia guerra (come i Mriswith e la Silph, la Spada della verità e il Legame dei Rahl). Solo che queste creature invincibili godono nell’uccidere, risucchiano la magia dal mondo e hanno lo scopo di prendersi l’anima promessa loro con l’evocazione. L’anima di Richard.
Zedd decide di provare a fermarli da solo, ingannando Richard per tenerlo al sicuro nel Mastio;
Richard subodora la truffa, scopre per vie traverse dove deve andare e vi si dirige;
Jagang non soffre più di tanto, visto che quelle creature fanno il lavoro sporco per lui e in più la magia Detrattiva continua a funzionare, e per ora le Sorelle dell’Oscurità sono sue schiave;
Ann decide di sfruttare questo periodo in cui l’Imperatore non ha più potere per salvare le Sorelle prigioniere e uccidere le altre, onde evitare che quando la magia tornerà siano usate come armi da Jagang.
L’unico problema è che la storia sarebbe stata veloce e tutto sommato breve, in 400 pagine sarebbe stata molto meglio. Invece buona parte del libro viene usata per farci conoscere la cultura di Anderith, la nazione protetta dal Dominie Dirtch e che deve decidere se allearsi con il D’Hara o con l’Ordine. Ci viene mostrata la storia totalmente ininfluente di Flitch e di Beata, che intervengono giusto sullo sfondo e sono completamente inutili. Non hanno un ruolo nella vicenda, non sono persone straordinarie per abilità o mente o morale. Sono persone comunissime che vivono sempre sullo sfondo, sfiorando gli avvenimenti come semplici spettatori.
E a loro è dedicata buona parte del libro. Totalmente inutile.

Altre brutture

Altre brutture sono il fatto che Khalan stia regredendo mentalmente al punto da non credere quasi più a Richard (nè quando arriva la sua “vecchia moglie”, nè quando parla dei Rintocchi o delle decisioni da prendere). Ed è veramente indisponente leggere di questa persona espertissima di politica e di decisioni, una persona che ormai conosce Richard, i suoi pensieri e il suo modo di agire, che ora invece si comporta come si sarebbe comportata Nadine nel libro precedente.
Poi Richard che concede il diritto di voto sull’annessione all’Impero. Una cosa senza precedenti, tutte le altre nazioni hanno dovuto dire subito “si” o “no”. A loro invece dà diritto di voto al popolo perdendo settimane, e addirittura facendo comizi in giro per la nazione. Ridicolo!
Ann che si fa fregare come l’ultima delle allocche…
Non c’è appello, questo sarebbe potuto essere un libro accettabile se fosse stato molto più corto. Così è solo un brodo allungato, che si fa leggere forzatamente e controvoglia per tutta la parte centrale.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Oct 26, 2010 Jamie (LadyJai) Dement rated it 5 of 5 stars

Finally the wedding we have been waiting for! But, again, the angst of interference between the love of Khalen and Richard.

New characters, a new society has been introduced and nearly 75% of the book was dedicated to this. At first I was nearly borded and wanted to skip ahead. But I am so glad I did not. I learned about that new society and their historical mentality. I understood why we needed to know about all their workings and why we needed to see such elaborate abundance. It goes far with s...more

like · see review

Feb 06, 2011 Sammet rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who has followed the series from the start (else I can imagine it gets extremely confusing)

This book is very typical to Terry Goodkind. A (sometimes very) slow start, minor characters getting introduced as big characters and the sense of continuity is a little bit off here and there. And it still pulls you in and eats you whole and becomes a great page-turner by the second half of the book.

At the beginning of the book I was only ready to give it three stars, at most. And yet you can see I have rewarded it four stars, because despite the irritating re-caps of the previous books and var...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 14, 2011 Jostalady rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, dystopia

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Since none of you remember my review of the 4th book, it won't seem odd at all that I decided to go on in the series. If you are in total shock and dismay that I kept reading after book 4...well, me too. I have began and abandoned 8 books since being essentially shook up by book number 4 of this series. I completed two light easy reads. I ran out of books and fell back into the ready and waiting Sword of Truth series, until I can add more books to my library.

I AM GLAD I DID. Is this what Terry d...more Since none of you remember my review of the 4th book, it won't seem odd at all that I decided to go on in the series. If you are in total shock and dismay that I kept reading after book 4...well, me too. I have began and abandoned 8 books since being essentially shook up by book number 4 of this series. I completed two light easy reads. I ran out of books and fell back into the ready and waiting Sword of Truth series, until I can add more books to my library.

I AM GLAD I DID. Is this what Terry does? Writes a much tamer, even shorter, book after a gut wrenching tomb where you get to experience that most horrifying drawn out torment nearly all the way through, along side your beloved characters? This book has terrible things happen, true, but nothing anywhere close to book 4. I dove right into the next book and it was just as amazing as this one....what is with this guy?

The book opens on the high notes of Richard and Kahlen enjoying being newly weds. You want to strangle the characters sometimes, as they continue to treat Richard as though his hunches are always wrong and hide the truth from him-I can identify with being treated like I am someone who isn't me at all in just this fashion. This draws me more to Richard and away from others. They stay together through this book and they are soon on their way to solve the simple matter of not the chimes. They are joined by the spirit woman he met from his time to the Palace of the Profits, Du Chailu, who insists she is his wife, and is very pregnant. Though it seems to be trouble, without her would be worse trouble. Richard truly is the seeker of truth in some very instinctive way, even though he is so much more that we sometimes forget that role. He changes course to Ander, even though he is not certain what the truth is...Terry has really made a tremendous character with Richard.

The city of Ander is a two class society, using a false history to keep the Haiken class down and believing they should be glad to be given that much, since they have a corrupt nature. We follow several new characters, but Dalton Campbell is by far my favorite. His dance with his position and power, but also his own standards being at odds with the way things are run...oh it is so easy to identify with that! I love his reaction and solution to his own beloved wife receiving the honor or sleeping with the Sovereign. Great storyline and set up.

Richard really grows in his gift at the end, but is shattered when lies take away his support from the citizens, and Kahlen is beaten nearly to death, losing their unborn child he hadn't even known about yet. He gives up on the war, he is broken by these events.

I am trying to think back to write this as I have already swept through to be in book 7. The chimes are interesting, Jagang is closing in on the city and magic is failing, but Richard and Kahlen spend a month in Ander trying to win over its citizens to reject Jagang. Just wrapping my head around the slower way of life, days to weeks to travel, messages are sent by messenger. Characters are totally out of communication for much of the book and there seems to be no easy solution to send a message, unless you have a journey book. To take a whole month there, seemed ludicrous. They are rulers of an Empire, they are needed. To act like that isn't falling apart without them after planning to be gone to be married for only 3 days...just blows my mind.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jul 20, 2010 Alan Gallagher rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Wizards Fifth Rule: "Mind what people do, not only what they say, for deeds will betray a lie."

My thoughts on this book are not entirely kind. Was it entertaining? Yes. It had entertaining moments. But overall the "yawn-factor" of this - the fifth book chronicaling the adventures of uber-mensch Richard Cypher - was pretty freakin' high.

Let's start with my biggest gripe:

The first 16th of the book focuses on Richard and Kahlan. They just got married and they're hanging out in bed in the post after...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 16, 2011 Sebastien rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fan de fantasy et d'aventure

Recommended to Sebastien by: Internet

Shelves: dark-fantasy

Après avoir lu Temple of the Wind, j'ai dû prendre ma volonté à deux main et un peu me forcer à embarquer immédiatement dans ce livre. J'ai eu envie de lire autre chose pour m'aider à digérer le dernier livre, qui malgré qu'il était bon, m'avais un peu fatigué. Cependant voyant que je n'avais pas grand chose d'autre et comme j'avais pas encore envie de recommencer du Star Wars, j'ai décider d'au moins commencer et voir ensuite.

Encore une fois, ce livre comporte des forces et des faiblesses. Les...more Après avoir lu Temple of the Wind, j'ai dû prendre ma volonté à deux main et un peu me forcer à embarquer immédiatement dans ce livre. J'ai eu envie de lire autre chose pour m'aider à digérer le dernier livre, qui malgré qu'il était bon, m'avais un peu fatigué. Cependant voyant que je n'avais pas grand chose d'autre et comme j'avais pas encore envie de recommencer du Star Wars, j'ai décider d'au moins commencer et voir ensuite.

Encore une fois, ce livre comporte des forces et des faiblesses. Les force donne, bien sûr, toute sa beauté à ce livre. De plus, les faiblesses dans celui-ci ne rendent pas la lecture hardueuse ou chiante. Elle font juste ressortir à quel point Terry Goodkind n'a jamais été un grand écrivain, mais plutôt un opportuniste qui a su sortir son idée au bon moment.

Je m'explique. L'histoire tourne autour d'une région du Midland qui est protégé par une puissante arme magique. L'armée de l'empereur s'en va dans cette direction et elle va l'envahir gagnant une entrée et une position facilement défendable pour attaquer le Midland par la suite. Donc l'auteur commence au début du livre à nous introduire une panoplie de nouveau personnages qui seront ensuite présenté de manière très inégale dans le seul but de redonner à Richard un item dont il a besoin. C'est assez ambitieux pour ne donner pas grand chose en bout de ligne.

Sur un autre plan, Richard se marie enfin et va dans la fameuse région pour y aider ses habitants car Zed lui dit que c'est là qu'il doit aller s'il veut savoir pourquoi la magie se meurt. Donc avec nos héros en route on pourrait croire que leur vie seront mélangé avec les personnage que l'on voit si souvent depuis le début du roman, mais non. Il sont pas mal à part et rencontre d'autre personnages. Je veux bien croire que la région est grande, mais pourquoi nous présenter autant de personnages secondaire si ce n'est pas pour les mettre en directe interaction avec nos héros?

Au moins ça ne gâche pas la qualité de l'idée où deux peuple (l'un opprimé et l'autre celui qui opprime) vive en symbiose et qu'il ne suffit pas de grand chose pour fragiliser cet équilibre. Terry Goodkind fait beaucoup ressortir la stupidité humaine dans ce roman et on a peine à y croire, car c'est assez vrai par bout. La manière dont il le fait choque parfois et donne envie de faire comme le héros à la fin. Pour cette partie je vous laisse le plaisir de le lire.

Ce roman encore une fois est très bon (tous les romans de la série sont au minimum bon)mais peut encore en décourager quelques un par son inégalité et par la brutalité avec laquelle l'auteur fait agir ses méchants.(less)

like · see review

Mar 01, 2011 Scott rated it 2 of 5 stars

I was planning to give this one three stars, but the more I thought about it...it isn't even that good. Perhaps the best part was the demonic chicken (I kid you not); it was pretty much downhill from there. There was a lot of focus on new characters, particularly one who was neither very likable nor very interesting.

There was a great deal of information about the culture of Anderith, which seemed to be there primarily as a vehicle for the author to make political commentary (granted, the whole s...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 06, 2011 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5 stars

You know...when you're about halfway through a book and discover that said book is missing 35 pages, yet you're able to continue on without too much fear of having lost valuable information, it should be a clear indication that something's amiss in your adoration of a story.

Yes, that happened to me. I had a brief moment of shock, disbelief, and then, to my chagrin, I mentally shrugged it off and continued on with the story. Sure, I missed some backstory, and a key development between Ca...more 3.5 stars

You know...when you're about halfway through a book and discover that said book is missing 35 pages, yet you're able to continue on without too much fear of having lost valuable information, it should be a clear indication that something's amiss in your adoration of a story.

Yes, that happened to me. I had a brief moment of shock, disbelief, and then, to my chagrin, I mentally shrugged it off and continued on with the story. Sure, I missed some backstory, and a key development between Cara and Du Chaillu, but I found that it didn't bother me as much as it should.

That was a wake-up call for me. I do still love the story and the characters. But I also struggled a ton with this one. There were a lot of "Of course!" exclamations along the way. Of course the reunion at the beginning was short-lived. Of course Richard and Kahlan were once again in mortal danger. Of course they were duped by Zedd and Ann. Of course the story took a sharp turn with the unexpected introduction of Fitch, Dalton, Beata and the Minister of Anderith.

I think that's what had me struggling the most. That the characters that I had already come to look forward to seeing again had been pushed aside to make way for a completely uninspired and incredibly irritating group of people from a land only mentioned in passing before. The new people were ultimately frustrating. Ignorant, obsessed with power and politics, caring only for themselves...I spent a good many chapters wondering what Richard and Kahlan were up to, and when they'd rejoin the story.

And then they rejoined the story, and they were frustrating, too! Where was Nathan? Where were Verna and Warren? Where was Berdine? Were we to be mired in the ridiculous lives of the people of Anderith for an entire novel? Would these people even truly matter at the end of the book?

Unfortunately, the answers were yes and no, respectively. I think I'm done with the series for a while. I need to give myself time to want to travel with Richard and Kahlan again. I need to make myself want to be put through the torture of Richard's pig-headedness, Kahlan's attempts to be strong, and Zedd's mistrust in Richard. I will pick it up again, to be sure...just not right away. (less)

1 like · like · see review

title link	preview: Soul of the Fire
avg rating	preview: Soul of the Fire Goodreads rating: 3.83 (27569 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/761732.Soul_of_the_Fire?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1312232022l/761732.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/761732.Soul_of_the_Fire?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Soul of the Fire by Terry Goodkind[/url]

Soul of the Fire (Sword of Truth #5)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Terry Goodkind

Books by Terry Goodkind

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Soul of the Fire

Quotes from Soul of the Fire